The World of Elegant Long-necked characters by artist Monika Koch

A few steps approach a showcase full of lights, in it a mannequin wore huge blue earrings with gold clasps. The steps that approached were moving away from that showcase and were accelerating the steps. A wooden door opens and many of the leaves that were on a table fly around the room. The sound of an easel ends the silence of that place, the anxious footsteps take a break near the table, a glass jar is uncovered and some fine-tipped brushes roll on the table. A deep but brief breath is the prelude to what will soon happen, those huge earrings will be photographed and the owner of those steps is preparing to give life to an incredible piece that will later become part of her extensive collection.

Monika Koch, a polish artist who has lived in London for more than 17 years, gave us an interview to tell us about the world of her wonderful characters with slanted eyes and a long neck. Her favorite techniques and her short-term plans for her art career.

Since what age did you start with your art?

As far as I remember I’ve always been very creative. As a child I spent endless hours drawing or creating stuff. I’ve probably designed hundreds of cards which was given to my family and friends .

In primary school I‘ve paid enormous attention in creating colourful borders in my books, which divided my notes between lessons and obviously I loved art classes! Those were the best! 

I remember admiring my class teacher drawings on chalk board a lot.

What is your greatest inspiration when it comes to painting?

For me it is simply an impulse and strong urge to create. I only paint when I feel like otherwise almost everything will end up in the bin. I need to feel inspired and this comes usually unexpectedly.

I describe it as a feeling of overall happiness and curiosity. 

How do you define your art?

I’ve never felt confident enough with my art skills so never really worked towards becoming a professional artist. I didn’t go to art school but always felt that I belong to that “world".  I put art aside for many years until I’ve started to feel creative passion again later on. Impact of social media was also a huge deal for me - it gave me lots of confidence. I’ve seen loads of art which in my opinion wasn’t “perfect", therefore creative and interesting. This is what convinced myself that art doesn’t need to be flawless. Imperfection is what some people find attractive and amusing – that was a moment I thought – ok let me try.

I describe my art as effortless. There are a lot of distortions and exaggerations – but this is how I make my own mark. I use simple brush lines, strokes and colour blocks. I follow the rule “less is more”. My inspirations comes from all sort of objects I find beautiful and inspiring. Often it is a piece of  art, fashion, photograph or just people around me. Obviously it is very personal as not everything I find as beautiful and interesting make other people feel the same way.

Art is all perspective and unique to each artist. What makes me an artist is not an art degree but my passion and inner need to create. Making art brings me a lot of happiness and personal fulfilment.

We know that the predominant techniques of your work are ink, acrylic and gouache. What do these 3 techniques have in common, what allow you to develop your artistic work?

Yes, those are my favourite mediums. I really enjoy working with all of them. I rarely plan what I‘m going to use on a day - I just grab few colours from my drawer and have a go.  Inks are probably my number one at this moment. I love how easy they flow and mix together, they create the most colour unique strokes for me. I choose gouache to create intense colour blocks and acrylics for an extra texture or when I work on canvas – it really depends how I feel.

What allow me to develop my artistic work is time - it is the most precious one. It allows me to evolve my art on many different levels.

Rainbow Girl on Beige / Monika Koch

The theme and style of your work is very easy to recognize and associate with you. The female is predominant in your work, accompanied by the simplicity of the stroke but at the same time full of expressiveness. How did you discover your style and how were your beginnings?

I think it all started when I was in secondary school. I remember that majority of my books and notepads were covered in small doodled faces. It looks that this idea stuck somewhere in my head.

I am enchanted by female beauty so female is leading muse in my artworks. I often use side look to give my girls “attitude” it makes my art mine . My art style is still evolving. I’m constantly looking for new designs and inspirations. I implement many of my new ideas and if it works I stick to it and then look for new ones to connect. This probably explain why my girls looks so similar. – I’m kind of persist to my face drawing template.

What do you consider has been your greatest challenge in the world of art?

To get noticed. This is a game changer for all artists all kinds. We all want to shine while we can. Who wants to get credit after we gone from the Universe?.

Rainbow Girls / Monika Koch

Which one(s) are your favourite artists and why?

There are so many, and I’m not going to mention obvious Picasso, Miro or Modigliani whom I’ve admired since my childhood. I admire many artists whose work touch my soul and have some meaning to me.  The most likeable pieces which I’ve also managed to collect are from Lena Goodison which I admire for the most incredible colour palettes, Heath Kane for bold and striking designs, or Angel Hernandez - who’s art I find soft and strong  at the same time - he’s portraits are magnificent.

Are new exhibition projects approaching this year?

This topic is open. I don’t have any particular plans until the end of this year but  saying that obviously if I got the opportunity to exhibit I’d consider it. 

The biggest upcoming project for me will be showing my artwork through one of Hollywood's production but this may happen next year .

Girls on Grey / Monika Koch

Girl with Gold Earrings on Grey / Monika Koch

Long Neck Rainbow Girls on Green / Monika Koch